Blitz India Business
NEW DELHI: Six of them have physical disability – captain Majid Ahmad Magray was born with a congenital lower limb impairment, three face similar locomotor disabilities, while two do not have their right hands. Six others have hearing impairment and four have learning disability. But what this differently-abled cricket squad achieved as a team surpassed anything that millions of able-bodied people have been able to do for the country.
The Indian mixed disability cricket team defeated England by 118 runs in the final T20I and celebrated the win by recreating Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving scene at the Lord’s balcony. The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India posted a video of the players and officials removing their blazers at the balcony of the Mecca of Cricket.
Since their arrival back home, their historic feat is being celebrated with tears, applause, and gratitude all across the country. On August 22, the cricketing heroes along with the team management were hosted by the Blitz India Media Group, at its Noida headquarters.
As the players walked in wearing the India colours, the atmosphere was replete with pride and emotion. Blitz India Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi began the interaction on a sedate note with the answer coming in sign-language translation. Thereafter, player after player recounted their tales of valour and glory.
The ceremony was filled with touching moments. Some, like Karnataka batsman Rajesh Kannur, (who has only one hand and has scored more than thirty tons so far) said it was his self-belief that kept him going even as his family doubted him. “I have not taken a single pie from my family,” he stressed.
Senior editors of Blitz India and others present watched with moist eyes as the team was applauded for scripting a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket. For many of these cricketers, the journey to the national team was filled with obstacles far greater than those encountered on the cricket field. Yet they persevered, trained relentlessly, and earned the honour of representing India.
As the ceremony concluded with standing ovations and group photographs, there was a shared sense of pride. As Dwivedi praised the team for becoming an inspiration to millions, the intrepid men made just one plea – they should get employment opportunities in corporate sector and there should be reservation for them in Government jobs.
Since their arrival back home, their historic feat is being celebrated with tears, applause, and gratitude all across the country
Diaspora accolades
“The victory at Lord’s in the last game was truly special and will remain a great memory for all of us,” said London-based Dada Mahendrasinh C Jadeja, Chairman – International Business, South Asian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). Expressing pride at the “determination, commitment and vision” of the team management, he said, it has successfully established Mixed Disability Cricket. The Lord’s victory, he added, will inspire many such people to take up cricket and pursue their dreams.